01/09/2019  Shatin  Race 9

BEAUTY CHARISMA began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly at the start, resulting in GENTLE BREEZE being severely checked and stumbling. Near the 650 Metres, GLENEALY GENERALS shifted out towards the heels of SUPER JUNIOR and became badly unbalanced after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. Passing the 300 Metres, WAR ROOM was shifted in away from the heels of BEAUTY CHARISMA which was giving ground. Passing the 200 Metres, DIVINE UNICORN was shifted out away from the heels of FAIRY TWINS. Then close to the finishing line, DIVINE UNICORN raced close to the heels of WINNING METHOD. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WINNING METHOD, J Moreira stated that he had ridden the horse in the lead up to today’s race and based on the manner in which the horse worked he anticipated that it would perform strongly. He said he had to ride WINNING METHOD along vigorously for some distance after the start in order to take up as prominent a position as possible. He said after being crossed by SUPER JUNIOR near the 800 Metres, WINNING METHOD did not travel well and came under pressure at the 600 Metres. He said when ridden along vigorously, WINNING METHOD did not respond and was particularly disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground over the final 200 Metres. He added whilst the horse was graduating today from griffin class, he was of the view that WINNING METHOD was entitled to finish off the race stronger than it did and he was therefore unable to explain the horse’s performance. The performance of WINNING METHOD, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING METHOD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of WINNING METHOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING METHOD, MULTIMILLION and SUPER JUNIOR were sent for sampling.